Gail Renken

CHAMPAIGN - Gail Eugene Renken, 89, of Champaign, formerly of Paxton, passed away Friday (Feb. 21, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

He was born on Oct. 6, 1935, in Buckley, the son of Alfred and Mamie (Henady) Renken. Gail married Beverly Scott on Aug. 25, 1957, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buckley. Beverly preceded him in death on Jan. 27, 2024.

Gail is survived by two children, Ray (Janet) Renken of Normal and Valerie Renken of Sacramento, Calif.; two brothers, Larry (Carolyn) Renken of Paxton and Earl (Barb) Renken of Sacramento; two grandchildren, Grace and Andrew; and two great-grandchildren.

Along with his wife, Beverly, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Gail graduated from high school in 1954, then joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1955. In December 1958, Gail and his family moved to Paxton, and Gail started working at Humko in Champaign. In November 1959, he and his family moved to Champaign. Gail's hobbies included electronics, CB radios and motorcycles. Later in life, he took classes and received degrees from Parkland College in 1992, Eastern Illinois University in 1993 and Governor's State University in 1995. Gail retired in 1999 after 40 years with Humko. Gail was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign.

Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 28, from noon until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home, Paxton. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church and School in Champaign. Please sign his guest book at coxknapp.com.